UFC on FOX 26 results: Jordan Mein dominates Erick Silva for first win in three years

If five years ago, someone told you that welterweights Jordan Mein and Erick Silva would square off in 2017, you probably would have assumed that the bout would be a main event or co-feature fight, not the opening match of the card.

And yet, the latter was precisely the position the two can’t-miss prospects found themselves in on Saturday. And one was in better position to make a statement than the other.

Mein controlled the opening match of UFC on FOX 26 in all aspects of the bout and made a statement with a much-needed victory at MTS Centre in Winnipeg. The judges scores were 30-26, 30-27, and 30-26 for a unanimous decision.

“It feels great, I worked hard for it,” Mein said. “Three fights I lost in a row, so it’s nice to get back in the win column.”

Mein (30-12) set the tone early by taking Silva to the mat with a nice throw. Silva got up soon thereafter, but Mein was aggressive with his striking, landing at range and in close.

In the second, Mein used a combo to set up a takedown, and didn’t seem too concerned with the fact Silva has 12 career submission wins. Mein lands big elbows and controlled things rom the top. The third round was similar to the second, as again Mein took Silva to the mat and cruised the rest of the way.

Mein shook off a three-fight losing streak with his first win since defeating Mike Pyle on Aug. 23, 2014. Silva (19-9, 1 NC) has now lost four of five and is 7-8 in the UFC.